Duds For The Dud
Feeling like a dud, thinking about duds. 🧥
I don’t know about you, but I have been in the biggest funk around getting dressed, a consistent struggle since the early days of 2020. Somehow that was FOUR years ago now… how?! I even wrote about this back in November 2022, but not much has changed. I’ve spent the majority of the past four years living in sweatpants, lol. If that’s not a cry for help, then I don’t know what is.
But, in all seriousness, my personal style and wardrobe have always been really important to me. I’ve spent so much more time working from home these past few years, adjusting to a fairly seasonless climate, and navigating my fluctuating weight — and all of these things have impacted the way I dress. I do think that as I’ve gotten older, I “care less” about what people think of me and my overall appearance, but that doesn’t mean that I don’t still value looking and feeling good. I am human after all!
I truly believe that how we feel inside reflects to the outside, and I’m more confident and genuine when I’m taking care of myself emotionally first and foremost. But I’ve sort of forgotten how much I value self-expression through clothing, too. Dressing to feel a certain way, or dressing because I feel a certain way. Fashion Week is always exciting to me — yes the designer collections are cool, but what I really devour is the street style. What are real people wearing?
Kate from Wit + Delight recently shared some helpful tips for optimizing your closet (something I’m trying to do better), and my favorite piece of advice was to print and hang inspiration photos on your closet wall. “Having tangible pictures of outfits I love on the wall in front of me every morning has helped me be even more creative while getting dressed. It’s provided continued inspiration to help me make the most of the clothes I already have, rather than buying new things.”
While I absolutely think sweatpants can be cool, I’m ready to find my style in this new, evolved season of life. Here’s my digital inspiration board, and once I’ve settled into my new home, I plan to print these images, decorate my walls and jump-start a habit. With practicality at the forefront of my mind, most of my picks seem to veer that direction.
This is how I’d like to see myself more — elevated comfort. It feels doable but much more exciting than what I’ve been gravitating towards lately. I love the key details: an extra long sleeve, a wide-leg trouser, a button-up that also looks great as a button-down, lol. Versatile and perfect for a work day meeting, happy hour, or just running errands about town. A studded leather belt adds an instant lift to a look, too.
The reality is, I still do the majority of my work from home! So I need pieces that go from my desk to my bed to the kitchen island — seamlessly transitioning to a walk with my dog or meal prep for dinner. These looks feel like a cut above, still honoring the cozy but with a bit more intention. I’d choose a bold graphic tee or soft striped shell with classic boxers, or a bright knitted cardigan paired with washed linen bloomers or my tried-and-true Florence Pant. It’s all about textures, fit and layering here.
For something a little more daring and sexy, this effortless silk dress is worthy of a wedding or just a prance around the house. And I’m still very into the right skirt / pant combo. As much as I’ve tried, I’m not usually much of a skirt person, but this one might have me converted.
And lastly, fun anytime pieces. Nice for weekend adventures, sitting at a coffee shop, or perusing a museum. Long denim shorts! A perfect pair of jeans will forever have my heart. And I can’t stop browsing vintage leather. I’ve been eyeing these and these bottoms lately, which seem versatile for dressing both up and down. I have carried the same sculptural bag for years, and think it’s time for an upgrade there, too. This crescent-shaped number is at the top of my wishlist.
Happy shopping! Or, if you’re like me, mostly window shopping.
Love,
Elise
NOTEWORTHY
—Chloë Sevigny gets brutally honest about Los Angeles, ha! I am obsessed with her.
—Kristine Claghorn led us in a free, 30 minute self-compassion practice and meditation this morning. In case you missed it, stay tuned because we are planning more!
—An illustrated reminder to take a break.
PLEASURE
Dan just returned home from Copenhagen, and he put together a dreamy In Between playlist for me featuring many Scandinavian artists that he discovered on his trip!
The sweetest little socks that I can’t get out of my head.
Dione Davis is one of my favorite resources for styling ideas and all things fashion. She knows what’s up.
CONTEMPLATING
How To Discover Your Own Taste. A wonderful conversation on the art of developing personal style in an age when algorithms loom over aesthetics and culture.
Millenials Don’t Know What To Wear. Gen Z Has Thoughts. I have not actually read this yet but am quite intrigued.
Three Ideas From James Clear. “All those hours spent looking at someone else’s life on a screen could be used to take action in your own life.”
Photo Credit: Mother The Mountain Farm.